The popularity of Montenegro among tourists around the world is growing year by year, as shown by the official data on tourist visits to Montenegro. However, from our experience, many are still unsure how to get to Montenegro in the fastest and safest way.
Montenegro is connected by air, sea, road and rail with almost all Balkan countries and most European countries. In the continuation of our guide, we will explain the easiest way to get to Montenegro, so that you can enjoy your vacation.
Visiting Montenegro by airline
Traveling by plane is one of the safest and fastest options, and according to many tourism experts, the cheapest. With that, it is not surprising that Montenegro is visited by more than 2.5 million passengers via air traffic.
Montenegro has two international airports: Podgorica Airport (TGD) and Aerodrom Tivat (TIV). Podgorica, as the capital's airport, serves as the main gateway with regular flights from major European cities.
According to the latest aviation data, passenger traffic at these airports has increased by 25% in the past year. During peak season (June to September) you will find more flight options available, but advance booking is recommended as seats fill up quickly.
Air Montenegro, the national carrier, connects the country with various European destinations. However, you will also find services from carriers such as Lufthansa, Air Serbia, WizzAir, Ryanair and Turkish Airlines. Remember that flight prices can vary significantly depending on the season, with rates being up to 40% higher in the summer months than in off-peak periods.
Certainly, it is advised to book your flight 3-4 months in advance to pay for the tickets more favourably.
Here is a list of all destinations with which Montenegro is connected by air transport:
- Berlin
- Brussels-Charleroi
- Gdańsk
- Cracow
- London-Stansted
- Manchester
- Wrocław
- Zagreb
- Budapest
- Milan
- Vienna
- London
- Istanbul
- Belgrade
- Frankfurt
- Zurich
- Paris
- Lion
- Threshold
- Madrid
- Ljubljana
Montenegro by car
Driving by car offers an incredible opportunity to discover the region and Montenegro itself at your own pace. The main routes to Montenegro include entry from Croatia via the Debeli Brijeg border crossing, from Bosnia and Herzegovina via Šćepan Polje, or from Albania via Božaj. The most popular route from Serbia is via Dobrakovo. This tour is mostly covered by highways, so it is safe and easy to drive.
For car rental in Montenegro, you need a valid driver's license, and at RespectaCar we offer the possibility of renting for drivers from the age of 18 and without a deposit.
Many international car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Europcar, do not offer such benefits. Additionally, they require high deposits.
Check the cancellation policy and insurance before booking. Certainly, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rules of driving in Montenegro and the way the local population drives.
Cheap travelling by bus
Travelling by bus offers an economical and practical way to reach Montenegro from the surrounding countries. The main bus stations in Podgorica and Budva serve as the main hubs connecting to cities across the Balkans.
Regular lines run from Belgrade (12 hours), Zagreb (15 hours.) and Sarajevo (8-9 hours).
When planning a bus trip, book your tickets through reliable operators such as Busticket4.me or GetByBus. These platforms allow you to compare prices, check schedules and read reviews from other travellers.
Waiting times at border crossings can vary, but usually add 1-2 hours to your journey as crowds are very high during the summer season. Most buses are equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, which makes the journey more comfortable.
How to get from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?
If you are one of the travellers who chose to land at the airport in Dubrovnik, and from there you want to go to Montenegro, you have several options.
Car rental is flexible but can be an expensive option. Another option is to take a bus from the bus station in Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi. Then from Herceg Novi, you would have to change to another bus for other parts of Montenegro.
Another option, less popular due to high costs, is - a taxi. The price of driving from Dubrovnik airport (Čilipi) to Budva is around 160 EUR.
How to get from Tirana to Montenegro?
If you did land in Tirana, a popular option for transportation to Montenegro is the bus. More specifically, Flixbus, whose ticket from Tirana to Podgorica is around 20 EUR. Another option is a private transfer that will cost you around 120 EUR.
An epic train journey to Montenegro
Although train options are limited, the Montenegrin railway system connects to Serbia on a scenic route that is often called one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe. Recently, the British also wrote about her Guardian.
The Belgrade-Bar railway line offers daily services that last around 11 hours. The trip includes stunning views of the Montenegrin mountains and passes through 254 tunnels and over 435 bridges.
Train tickets need to be booked in advance, especially during the summer season. The railway company reports an average occupancy rate of 90% during the summer months.
Certainly, the night train can be more profitable because it saves on accommodation. Departure times vary seasonally, so check the current schedule when planning your trip. The price of a one-way ticket is around 20-30 EUR.
Ferry and cruise options
For those interested in arriving by sea, Montenegrin coastal cities are accessible by ferry lines from Italy (Bari-Bar) during the summer season and Dubrovnik-Budva.
The journey from Bari to Bar takes approximately 10 hours and operates several times a week. Cruise ships also often call at the Port of Kotor, which has seen a 30% increase in passenger arrivals in the past year.
The Ferry line from Dubrovnik to Budva lasts about 2 hours, with prices starting from 60 EUR.
The lines are not always available during the winter months, so you need to check
Tips for planning your trip to Montenegro
We have discovered most of the options to get to Montenegro. But to ensure a smooth journey, start planning your vacation at least 2-3 months in advance.
Consider factors such as seasonal changes, which show that July and August have a significantly higher number of tourists than the rest of the year. Whether you arrive in Montenegro by car or by other means of transport, it is necessary to have appropriate travel insurance.
If you plan to rent a car in Montenegro, book in advance to secure better rates and ensure availability.
During planning, make a list of the sights and attractions you want to visit. In our guide on what to visit in Montenegro, you can find user information about the main places and sights. Be sure to add them to your itinerary for Montenegro.
Instead of a conclusion
The growing popularity of Montenegro as a tourist destination means that transportation options are continuously improving. Whether you choose to fly, drive or use public transport, each method offers its unique advantages.
Remember to book your transportation in advance, especially during the summer season, and always have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes to your itinerary.
If you need it rent a car in Podgorica, our company offers over 50 new vehicles for rent.